Inverse Function: Condition for f^(-1) and Example

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thereddevils
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The condition for the inverse function, f^(-1) to happen is function , f is one-one .

S0 consider this function , f(x)=x^2-5 , which is NOT a one-one function , and

f^(-1)=y

x=f(y)

x=y^2-5

y^2=x+5

[tex]f^{-1}(x)=\pm\sqrt{x+5}[/tex]

Seems that the inverse function of f exists without satisfying that condition .
 
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That inverse function you found is not even a function. For every x there are two values of y. For it to be a function there can only be one value of y for every x.

Secondly f(x) in general is not a function, but just a number in its codomain. Your function f is given by [itex]f:A\rightarrow B, f(x)=x^2-5[/itex]. With A its domain and B its codomain. Depending on A and B f can have an inverse.

example:

[tex] f:[0,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5[/tex]

this function has an inverse.

[tex] f:[-1,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5[/tex]

this one does not.
 
Cyosis said:
That inverse function you found is not even a function. For every x there are two values of y. For it to be a function there can only be one value of y for every x.

Secondly f(x) in general is not a function, but just a number in its codomain. Your function f is given by [itex]f:A\rightarrow B, f(x)=x^2-5[/itex]. With A its domain and B its codomain. Depending on A and B f can have an inverse.

example:

[tex] f:[0,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5[/tex]

this function has an inverse.

[tex] f:[-1,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5[/tex]

this one does not.


thanks ! I just realized it can have inverse when its broken into half .